EUGENE, Ore. – The Oregon volleyball team garnered its highest preseason ranking in an AVCA Coaches’ Poll, Monday when it was picked No. 8 in the country.

The Ducks have made a habit of earning preseason recognition, being ranked in the top 20 during five of the last six seasons. In 2008, Oregon was picked 11th before the season which was the team’s high-water mark until Monday. In 2012, it was tabbed 20th in the preseason poll before the historic season which resulted in an NCAA Finals appearance.

Reigning national champion Texas topped the poll with 55 of the 60 first place votes. The full coaches’ poll can be seen here.

The Pac-12 was well-represented once again with Stanford (third), USC (fourth) and Washington (fifth), each joining Oregon in the top 10, while UCLA represented the fifth and final conference affiliate at the No. 12 spot. This season’s schedule slates the Ducks against each of the California schools, twice, while only facing Washington once.

In addition to the four Pac-12 teams ranked, the Ducks will make a trip to play No. 7 Michigan and No. 14 Michigan State, to make for nine total competitions against top-25 opponents.

The 2013 squad returns Liz Brenner and Lauren Plum who were named 2012 All-Pac-12 selections and AVCA All-Americans. Plum was named to the All-America First Team after leading the nation in assists (1618) and assists per set (13.37), both of which rank second in the Oregon single-season record books.

Brenner was named to the All-America Second Team, ranking second for the Ducks in kills (466), points (522.5) and digs (308). Her 4.39 points per set in 2012 is the fifth-most in school history.

The Ducks will be in action for the Green and Yellow Exhibition match Saturday, Aug. 17 at 7 p.m at Matthew Knight Arena. It will be the first of two preseason scrimmages open to the public, followed by the alumni exhibition match Friday, Aug. 23 at 7 p.m.

UO will begin the regular season at home with the Oregon Classic, bringing in nonconference opponents Eastern Washington, Bryant and Ohio. The Ducks will start by facing Eastern Washington, Aug. 30 at 7 p.m.

New season tickets for the 2013 season will go on sale starting Aug. 16. Fans are encouraged to use the goducks.com website for all purchases, and can also visit the Duck ticket office or call (1-800-WEB-FOOT) during normal weekday business hours.

Prices for the season and single-game tickets are similar to last year and follow:

Families can also save money on season tickets by purchasing a general admission family plan. The package is available for $50 per adult ticket and $25 per child ticket (and two tickets or more of each age category must be purchased for this rate).